How does my child gain access to drugs?

Even though it is illegal to sell alcohol and tobacco to young people under 18 years old, it does not appear difficult for young people to get them. Teenagers may lie about their age, use false ID or get an older friend to but it for them. Often it is easy just to take them from home.

Most inhalants are everyday products such as petrol, glue and solvents, which are on open sale or currently in the home.

Illegal drugs are a bit harder to obtain but friends may know where to buy them, or your child may be exposed to them at parties.

Drugs are relatively easy to access in our society. It is unrealistic to think you can shelter your child from exposure to drugs. However, you can prepare your child for this reality and equip them with strategies to deal with drugs such as providing them with an environment where they feel safe to talk about drugs.

Source: Common questions parents ask about young people (n.d) Retrieved November 11, 2005 , from http://druginfo.adf.org.au/article.asp?ContentID=common_questions_parents_ask_a#what